Home Energy Audits Available to New York Residents for Free

LONG ISLAND, NY, July 20, 2012 (Press-News.org) How hot does it have to be to justify turning the air conditioner on? Homeowners ask themselves that question every summer as they long for cool relief yet dread that increased energy bill. Energy expert Dan Kartzman, President of Powersmith Home Energy Solutions (thepowersmith.com), says a simple answer offers the comfort you need, without cranking up the cooling expense.

"Home energy audits are the beginning of the solution," says Kartzman. "They are worth the time and have become very sophisticated with infrared technology that finds the tiniest wasteful and expensive air leaks in your home. Amazingly, many homeowners are unaware that this service is free through a state-sponsored program that requires zero cash. All it costs is two to three hours."

Almost every home has energy leaks. Combining the infrared technology with blower door testers pinpoints where the warmed or cooled air is escaping. "With infrared images, you can actually see the air escaping," says Kartzman. "It looks like a cloud of cash pouring through your walls."

Information gleaned from an audit will help make homes healthier, more comfortable and save homeowners money on utility bills, Kartzman says.

"When homeowners understand how their home is wasting money and the state passed a law allowing homeowners to pay for the work on a monthly basis at a rate that is less than their savings, this literally becomes a no brainer," Kartzman says. "Our job is to educate. More than 1,000 homeowners on Long Island have taken advantage of this incredible opportunity. The most common feedback we get from our customers is 'we can't believe everyone is not doing this for their home.'"

Thanks to the Green Jobs/Green New York Act of 2009, New York homeowners can qualify for a free or reduced-cost comprehensive home energy assessment by going to http://www.nyserda.ny.gov. However, Kartzman urges making an appointment and assessment now because it is on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are spent.

"Skepticism is the most common objection we get from homeowners, because they believe that nothing is ever free and they don't have the time," says Kartzman. "We stress to homeowners that all they have to do is arrange an appointment for the audit. We take care of the paperwork. All they have to do is make an appointment, open the door and let Powersmith experts do the rest."

Kartzman explains that the most common spots of waste are unsealed or poorly sealed cracks, inadequate or nonexistent insulation, and leaks from heating and air conditioning ducts. With that information, homeowners have the power to transform their home into a sealed, tight environment. Powersmith can correct these problems and test the home again to show the difference.

For more information on Powersmith, call (631) 485-4033 or visit http://www.thepowersmith.com.